March, 2010
Do you believe?
A Section of Anglican Journal
St. Luke parishioner runs in torch relay by Kim Smith REGINA Ever since the Olympic Committee announced that Canada would be hosting the games, we have heard the commercials regarding the torch and winning a gold medal on our home soil. All of the commercials ask "Do you believe?" In May 2009, Hudson's Bay Company, a major sponsor, sent a callout to their employees giving them an opportunity to become a torchbearer for the 2010 Olympics. In order to be selected, the employee had to write why they would be considered a good candidate and submit a 150 word essay. For a few weeks, I thought "Why bother? There will be lots of entries and someone else will get it anyway." Then as the deadline drew closer and I heard that not many had entered, obviously thinking the same thing I had, I took my chance. The following is my entry: "A few years ago I had a chance to hear Olympic Gold Medalist curler Joan McCusker speak. She invited a few of us on the stage and when she placed her gold medal around my neck, it was an awe-inspiring feeling to know I was in the presence of the best in the world. Her gold medal embodied dedication, hard work, Canadian pride and a realization of what each athlete gives up in order to pursue a dream. It inspired me to complete two half marathons since then. During the last winter games, I rushed to update our store's medal boards and participated in the wheelchair race we had as an Olympic kickoff. Carrying the torch would combine my love of Canada, a lifelong participation in sports and a pride in working for Hudson's Bay Company which has overcome its own challenges and endured for over 300 years." Then came the practice of the virtue of patience - never my strong suit. It was not until I opened my e-mail one day in late July that I learned I had been preselected and needed to pass security checks
before being finalized as a torchbearer. That information was quickly sent in and another three weeks passed before the great day came. An e-mail with congratulations - in fact three e-mails from different people in the company - told me I had been chosen as a torchbearer. In my excitement I was jumping up and down in the pharmacy. A subsequent request for sizing for my track suit was answered quickly. The idea of carrying the torch still seemed unreal. It was so far away, a day in January 2010. But as time passed and I started practising my running and carrying a five pound weight in my hand (the torch itself would only be 3.5 pounds), by November I found I was doing a countdown of my own. The days during Christmas sped by and soon the week of the run was here. Nerves started to set in - one morning at 1:30 a.m. I found myself on the treadmill just trying to expend some energy! The week leading up to the run was very cold and led to worries about how to dress and falling on slippery streets with the torch in hand. By Saturday, January 9, there were no more worries as the day dawned bright and warmed with each passing hour. Once again the excitement started to get the best of me and I found myself dressing early and heading down to the Lawson Fieldhouse to check in and meet with the other torchbearers. The place was a madhouse with people roaming about, taking in the arranged events. The torchbearers were to gather in one room for a briefing first and then we could have some time to mingle. In the 20 minutes between the briefing and before lining up for pictures in front of our bus, I set out in search of a drink of water. This doesn't sound hard, but we made our way through the crowds only to be hijacked. My friend Crystal, who works with me and who also was a torchbearer, and I were asked to stop and take a picture with the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief. We stopped but suddenly
Moosomin Sunday School Raises Money for Haiti
one of the people in charge of the area started calling out: "Come and get your picture taken with a torchbearer!" It became a whirlwind of people posing quickly in front of us and then letting others take their turn. Finally I had to tell them we had to leave or miss the bus! The bus ride itself was terrific. Each torchbearer was invited to tell the story of who they were and how they had been chosen. As we rode closer to Victoria Avenue and Park Street, we could see traffic starting to backup and people lining the sidewalks. My heart was pumping so fast. The time was NOW! The bus moved forward, dropping each of us at our checkpoint and moving on. I was to start about two blocks east of Arcola Avenue. At the checkpoint, an Olympic committee member checked the torch and then lined me up in the street ready to receive the flame. I turned and saw the second runner advancing towards me, and stood to the left and held the torch high, ready to receive the flame. We touched torches to pass the flame, slapped a high five with our hands and I was off! No fears about slipping and falling, I wasn't even sure my feet were on the ground. I was screaming and waving and had taken 10 or 15 strides before I realized the RCMP officers were on either side running with me like they were supposed to be. I could hear people screaming and see them waving back. A few chanted the "Eh Oh Canada Go" as I passed. Picture flashes punctuated the darkness and I could see people smiling and a few waved Canadian flags. The adrenaline had me in overdrive and I'm sure I could have run forever. As I approached the next checkpoint, Crystal stood in the road, ready for me. We held our torches high and again passed the flame. High fives, some whooping and a huge hug later, she was on her way. More cameras flashed as friends and co-workers at the checkpoint waved and called my name. Then the
photo - Mike Weese
Kim Smith, of St. Luke's Regina, waves to the crowd as she runs with the Olympic torch in east Regina.
torch was turned off and soon the bus came to pick me up. Unbelievable. Amazing. My heart felt so big. It had really happened. I closed my eyes for a moment to thank God for all my blessings - running with the torch, my family and friends who had supported me, a chance at a wonderful experience. I could feel tears threatening to come. In the bus on the way back to the Lawson, I made sure to wave at the people gathered to watch and still hold the torch high while in the bus. On the grounds, many wanted to come up and hold the torch or have a picture taken with me or to ask questions. I was glad to share the experience with everyone. A reporter stopped me to ask questions and I found out a couple of days later that I had made it into the Regina Leader Post. That Saturday night was fantastic. Since then I have taken the torch several places for others to hold and enjoy. The torch will be hung on a special place on my wall along with clippings and pictures that others have given to me. I have learned from this experience. We need to ask ourselves, will someone else do it? If we stand by and just wait, will someone carry the torch and pass on the flame that shines and unites us? I was blessed to be chosen for this honour. And pass the light I will. Do you believe? I do.
Primate to Visit Diocese of Qu'Appelle, March 25 to 27 Friday, March 26 - Gordon's First Nation - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will begin with a service at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at the New Gym at the school. People from nearby church communities are invited to the celebration with Archbishop Fred Hiltz. Please contact Rev. Dale Gillman if you plan to attend (306-835-2845).
Saturday, March 27 - Diocesan Prayer Breakfast - 9 a.m.
photo - Marie Everett
The children of St. Alban's Sunday School sold toys and cookies on January 23, raising $150 which was sent to PWRDF for Haiti relief work.
Join the Primate at the Diocesan Prayer Breakfast at All Saints Church, 142 Massey Road, Regina. The Primate will be speaking about "Christ's Mission in the Canadian Context," followed by questions and answers. The morning will conclude with Eucharist at 11 a.m. The cost is $7.00 per person, teens welcome. Please register by March 22, by calling 306-586-4420, or e-mail allsaints@sasktel.net.